Portuguese manager rejoins club 13 years after first stint ended, replacing Álvaro Arbeloa. Mourinho will begin work July 13.
9:52 PM
Real Madrid confirmed Thursday that José Mourinho will return as head coach on a three-year contract through June 30, 2029, marking his second spell at the Spanish club after departing in 2013.
The 63-year-old Portuguese manager will join the club on July 13, when pre-season training begins. Real Madrid's board, led by president Florentino Pérez, made the announcement on Thursday. The club paid Benfica a €15 million (£12.9m, $17.3m) release clause to secure Mourinho's departure from the Portuguese club.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, during which he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. His return comes after Real Madrid endured a difficult 2025-26 season. The club exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to Bayern Munich and finished second in La Liga, with Barcelona clinching the title following a 2-0 victory in an El Clásico match earlier this month.
Xabi Alonso was sacked as manager in January amid player unrest. Álvaro Arbeloa took over as interim head coach but failed to reverse the club's fortunes. Arbeloa's departure was announced on Tuesday.
Mourinho's appointment was a central campaign promise made by Pérez during the club's presidential election held Sunday. Pérez defeated challenger Enrique Riquelme, securing 65 percent of the vote. Benfica had previously informed Portugal's CMVM—the independent regulatory authority overseeing the nation's financial markets—of Madrid's intention to pay the release clause contingent on Pérez's re-election.
At Benfica last season, Mourinho guided the club through an unbeaten Portuguese league campaign, though the team finished in third place overall.
Real Madrid are also advancing in talks to sign midfielder Bernardo Silva, a 31-year-old free agent who departed Manchester City. Barcelona and Atlético Madrid had previously held discussions with Silva, but neither club is planning to improve their existing proposals. Mourinho is viewed as a key factor in Silva's decision-making process. The club is also pursuing deals for defender Ibrahima Konate, who left Liverpool after his contract expired, and Inter full-back Denzel Dumfries.
Portuguese coach José Mourinho leaves Benfica for Real Madrid in a deal worth 15 million euros. Marco Silva named as his replacement.
Portuguese manager, 63, would return to the club if Pérez wins Sunday's presidential election. Benfica has set a release clause price.
Portuguese manager departs when contract expires this summer; Benfica reportedly close to securing him as José Mourinho heads to Real Madrid.
Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed Friday he will leave Real Madrid after the season ends, departing a trophyless campaign that began in January.
The 34-year-old captain's contract expires this summer. His final match will be Saturday against Athletic Club.
The Brazilian Football Federation renewed Carlo Ancelotti's contract as national team coach for four additional years, extending through the 2030 World Cup.
